It’s 2003, and the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad is filled with looters having a hey-day stealing priceless treasures. A Mesopotamian scholar, Samuel, and 2 Iraqi friends are trying to save what they can–in particular, a certain clay tablet. But slipping through the chaos is an assassin bent on gaining possession of the tablet himself.
Fast forward several months. Art dealer John Madison is recovering from a terrible car accident that killed his older half-brother Samuel. John goes to a party at his friend Hal’s, where he gets embroiled in a mystery. Apparently Samuel was able to rescue the clay tablet and have it shipped to himself, but while John was in hospital, Hal picked it up. Now Hal is dead of an apparent overdose, but John knows he was murdered, and the killers are now after him. To save himself, he must first find the tablet. Hal has left a series of puzzles leading to its location.
The clay tablet contains a biblical prophecy (it’s supposedly the book of Nahum) but unlike the text we have today, the tablet itself contains certain clues that, Samuel and 2 Iraqi friends believed, would lead to unimaginable treasure hidden beneath the desert for millennia. Twists and turns add more people to the mix, and John must decide whom he can and cannot trust, including 2 Iraqi friends of Samuel’s. His life depends on his decision.
The Witch of Babylon moves from New York to Baghdad to Ninevah, and has pretty much everything–medieval alchemy, recent technology, international travel, witches ancient and modern, mysterious origins of legends, and more. From the art galleries and bars of New York, to the twisting streets and alleys of Baghdad and the modern city of Mosul, the action is fast-paced but at the same time, the protagonist is a realistic, down-to-earth guy. Author D.J. McIntosh has done her homework, and along the way you manage to learn something about ancient cultures and history as well.
The Witch of Babylon is a gripping read, a perfect can’t-put-it-down suspense novel that takes you from your armchair to exotic locales. I really enjoyed it. I was happy to notice that it’s part one of a trilogy; I was also happy that it didn’t end in a total cliffhanger. (I hate trilogies like that, and I refuse to read them until all are published, because what if something happens to the author and you never find out what happens?) I’m looking forward to Books 2 and 3.
I’m thrilled to say that one of you can win a copy of your own. Just leave a comment to enter and tell me: Have you ever read the book of Nahum? We’ll announce the winner on October 31. The Giveaway is Closed.
- The winner of You Don’t Know Me is #17 Stephanie. Thanks to everyone who shared their choice for a “witness protection name”!
- The winner of The Sweetness of Forgetting is #8 Amy B.
Elizabeth has read the book of Nahum. She’s never been to Ninevah, but she does have friends from there. Learn more at her blog Planet Nomad.
Sheila K. says
I have not read the book of Nahum, but I would love to read The Witch of Babylon—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Jany says
Thanks for sharing
Congratulations about your website http://books.5minutesformom.com
I’m learning English as a second language, so, I guess the reading of this fabulous book help me a lot.
I have not read the book of Nahum
anne says
This book would be captivating and special. Thanks.I haven’t read The Book of Nahum.
Katie says
I haven’t read the book of Nahum, but this sounds like a great read!
Cindy Brooks says
No, I haven’t read the Book of Nahum. The Witch of Babylon sounds like a great suspense read!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
Jenny Milchman says
Your last line made me laugh. Excellent point about trilogies and sequels. And I’m excited to read The Witch of Babylon!
Cheryl says
I haven’t read The Book of Nahum, but now want to!
riTa says
I have read it several times going through the Bible, but now I’m curious to go back.
Donna says
I have not read the book of Nahum, and after looking at the Wikipedia entry I do not think I ever will. I would like to read the Witch of Babylon though! Thank you!
Beth C says
No, I have not read the book of Nahum.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Jennifer says
You won this book! Please reply to this note with your shipping info.
diane says
I have never read the book of Nahum.thanks for this giveaway.
Benita says
I haven’t yet read the book of Nahum, but will very shortly.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Robin from Israel says
I haven’t read the Book of Nahum but this one sounds great.
Jessica says
I know that I have read Nahum, but I don’t remember it at all.
nannypanpan says
i have not
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Rachel R. says
I have read Nahum, and this book sound really interesting.